Team Building Tip # 2 - Laughter is the best medicine

We have all heard this banal cliches. However, it has been shown in many studies that companies demonstrate their commitment to building team unity, trust and positive morale among their employees are more successful. At a time when companies are laying off, cutting, and incorporating locks the business climate can be anything but positive. All businesses need to team building and recognition of employees in good times and difficult times, the teams are at the heart of business success.

The Yale School of Management has done a study on how a mood can affect the work environment. It was found that "the excitement spread like viruses, but not all emotions spread as easily. Spread joy and warmth more easily, while irritability is less contagious and depression spreads hardly at all."

The study also noted that "in any work environment, the sound of laughter indicates emotional temperature of the group, offering a sure sign that people's hearts as well as their minds are engaged."

Just as positive morality, laughter and team bonding to improve the business? Here are two summaries of research:

1. Over the past 10 years the organization has interviewed Jackson 200,000 managers and employees around the world. The Jackson Organization found that companies actually recognize the excellence of staff and employees, had a return on their capital which was three times higher than companies that do not have. These same companies also had a return on their assets that is three times higher than firms whose employees do not feel recognized or valued.

2. An example of a company that understands that investing in your employees improves your bottom line is Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines remains one tops the list of companies whose stock has the highest return to investors since 1972, and was the only airline to remain profitable during the difficult years of 1990 and 1994 when the industry as a whole lost $ 12.8 billion. Southwest Airlines was also rated number one in the Airline "lists" of Los Angeles Business Journal 2008.

According to Kevin and Jackie Freiberg author of the book, Nuts (Southwest Airlines Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success) have written that it is the sheer enthusiasm of its employees who leads the company's success. "Southwest Airlines is famous for honoring individuals, groups, significant events, and major works in a creative, festive, and often positively outrageous. There are few organizations in which people celebrate life with passion and as consistently as that of Southwest Airlines. "

I agree with Southwest Airlines, celebrations are not intrusions in the workplace, but rather the necessary ingredients to boost performance. The amount of U.S. dollars invested in team building and recognition is not important, but the act of team building, recognition and creating positive morale in the workplace creates a return on investment is significant for the company.

Overcoming the challenges of today, find something to laugh with team members and see what happens around you .......